So I have returned to the Netherlands, and as well as a grand pile-up of work awaiting me, there is a concert dilemma. This coming Friday (the 24th) sees two good concerts in two different venues, and while I’ve experienced that quandary lots in Scotland, rarely has it happened in Rotterdam.

The choices?

Well, I’ve gotten into Voicst lately and they’re playing Nighttown with zZz. I had liked them previously, but when their album 11-11 got released last year, I just never bothered to listen to it for whatever reason. But in January I finally decided to try it while out and about with my mp3 player, and was a bit shocked when I seemed to know all the songs. So I’ve been listening to them quite a bit and would really like to see them live properly. And zZz too, actually, although I have seen them before.

But I arrived home to an email saying that That Dam Magazine are venturing southwards for a gig in Rotterdam to mark the release of their 12th issue and it contains some bands I’d really love to see, not forgetting the That Dam guys are good people. The gig is in WORM and features acts like the Hospital Bombers, John Wayne Shot Me, Aux Raus, Needle & The Pain Reaction, Gotthard, Pfaff, Bart und Ernst, Arthur Wevers and Ronald Snijders.

I don’t know what I’m going to do. The final decision will come down to what others want, weather and transport, but I think in my heart I have to recommend That Dam just a teeny bit more. If only because Voicst already have the backing to tour the country, whereas it’s a bold move for That Dam to leave the safety of Amsterdam and I want it to be a success so the trend may continue. But both are worthy causes, so if you’re in the area, do choose one.